ABS Jersey Brown Book Winter 2015

The Jersey

Brown Book Volume 2

Number 1

Winter 2015

Published by ABS Global, Inc.

Table of Contents

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ABS Daughters Shine at World Jersey Cattle Bureau Meetings Navigating the Results of the December Sire Summary Jerseys Have Come a Long Way Over the Last 15 Years

The Window for Efficiency Gain—Don’t Let it Close on You

Building the Jersey Cow of the Future

ABS Sampling Decisions are Standing the Test of Time ABS Offspring Tops at the Breed Showcase in Louisville

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Aaron Horst, ABS Jersey Sire Analyst aaron.horst@genusplc.com

ABS Daughters Shine at World Jersey Cattle Bureau

By Larry Schirm

O

ur last edition of the Brown Book and the June Jersey Journal provided a preview for the World Jersey Cattle Bureau meetings to be hosted by Jersey South Africa in September. ABS has a long and very successful history with Jerseys in this country, and recent successes were clearly evident on the conference farm tours.

Those in attendance represented 6 continents and 24 countries with diverse farming backgrounds, but all had a common appreciation for the Jersey cow.

ABS Prominence Across three days, we saw daughter groups from ten dairies. Each dairy chose to present a group of daughters to feature. Eight of the ten dairies were ABS clients and 100% featured daughter groups for HEADLINE and LEGAL—a very strong endorsement of both bulls.

Profit and Consistency Consistency was the common theme for the HEADLINE and LEGAL daughter groups. Both bulls were praised for their profitability and their daughters were obviously strong producers. Tour participants admired the daughters for their udders, youthfulness and mobility. The LEGAL daughters in South Africa showed the balance and consistency they are known for throughout North America. The HEADLINE daughters exhibited the same youthfulness that made him a Breed Leader for Productive Life.

Dick Smith, ABS Jersey Sire Analyst

Next Generation on Its Way

Larry Schirm, ABS Asia Business Director

In a country where Jerseys are solidly 50% of the national dairy herd, it’s reassuring to see such a strong U.S. influence. HEADLINE and LEGAL delivered as advertised. The next generation will be coming with VISIONARY daughters in nearly every heifer pen. One thing is for certain, ABS Global and our featured U.S. genetics are being widely noticed and appreciated globally.

dick.smith@genusplc.com

larry.schirm@genusplc.com

ON THE COVER Ahlem Visionary Group - Owned by Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, CA (L-R) Ahlem Visionary Holly 40114 VG-83% Ahlem Visionary Cherry 40175 VG-83% Ahlem Visionary Gypsy 40159 VG-86% - photo: Frank Robinson

Sign up for the latest Jersey news from ABS visit www.absglobal.com/primetime-genomics to sign up today.

(TOP) LEGAL daughter in South Africa and (BOTTOM) HEADLINE daughters in South Africa showcased during World Jersey Cattle Bureau farm tours.

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Winter 2015 Jersey Brown Book

Navigating the Results of the December Sire Summary

T

he December sire summary brought with it more changes than usual. In addition to the typical updated daughter performance data and its implications, we saw the effects of a base change and modified formulas.

Most of the change in how the numbers “look” is due to the five-year base change, whereas the formula changes to JPI, JUI, Cheese Merit and Net Merit had a smaller impact. Time will help us recalibrate to the new standards.

Until then, it helps to look at the bulls comparatively in rankings. Many prominent bulls added meaningful data which caused some noticeable changes to rankings.

Time will help us recalibrate to the new standards. Until then, it helps to look at the bulls comparatively in rankings.

Proven Bulls: 3 of the Top 5

By Aaron Horst

direction. As further confirmation, we’re also hearing many positive reports from the field on milking daughters.

Impressive Lead

Genomic Bulls: 3 of the Top 5 VOLCANO sons tended to ride on their sire’s coattails and increase relative to their peers. HARRIS is again the top VOLCANO son ranking at #2 GJPI, and our newer bull VIPER is in the #5 spot. Both of these bulls show extremely balanced profiles that should continue to appeal to a wide swath of customers trying to increase Fat and Protein while maintaining balanced, healthy cows.

VOLCANO holds an unprecedented lead on the proven list. At +264 JPI, VOLCANO is the highest available bull—proven or genomic—and this comes after adding hundreds of daughters in a number of different herds. The VOLCANO from 1st to 2nd Daughter Proof chart at right attempts to CM$ NM$ Milk CFP PL Dtrs show the August values 672 650 2020 141 4.9 249 changes December values 661 657 1979 133 5.7 563 VOLCANO

Hrds 8 43

saw from December +base change 793 781 2306 164 6.5 August after Actual change from August 121 131 286 23 1.6 314 35 accounting % Change 18% 20% 14% 16% 33% 26% 338% for the base change. The encouraging aspect is that VOLCANO’s HARRIS is also now ranked as an elite daughters are now more spread out 5-star fertility bull based on our Real with 13 daughters per herd, which World Data®. should give us added confidence. With a 25% JPI advantage over the #2 sire, High-Ranking Outcross even if VOLCANO settled in closer to The third ABS bull in the Top 5 GJPI is his August numbers, he would still keep HECTOR, who meshes Milk volume,

The base change doesn’t impact rankings since it applies to all animals equally. A lot of new names show up at the top of the proven sire list, but ABS has three familiar faces in the Top 5 of the JPI list.

VOLCANO, VISIONARY and DAYBREAK (left to right) VOLCANO dtr: Schultz Volcano Addie VG-84%, HARRIS maternal relative: Schultz Legal Harma-ET VG-85% and Forest Glen Louies Martha VG-83%dam of VIPER all saw their second sire summary and retained their his #1 ranking. VOLCANO is recovering high DPR and high component test into spots in the Top 5. These bulls each from some health challenges, but we one package. This bull is rare because he combine the ability to add significant hope to see him back on collection in the has zero Violet in his pedigree and he is pounds of Fat and Protein while near future. We currently have semen from an all-proven sire stack (JUPITER providing elite Productive Life. As we available on his full brother VISIONARY x Renegade). HECTOR makes a fitting monitor changes from proof to proof, and his sons HARRIS and VIPER. complement to Violet bloodlines based we cautiously identify trends, and these on his genomic profile. three bulls are heading in the right 3

We’ve Come a Long Way Genetic Changes in the U.S. Jersey

By Dick Smith

T

he U.S. Genetic Evaluation model In addition to improved Udders (+1.21), Standardized Comparison for dairy cattle uses a fixed genetic a similar degree of genetic progress can Even though the traits are measured base that is adjusted every five years to be seen with longevity or Productive in pounds, months, etc., it can be very account for genetic progress over time.

Life (PL) at +1.10. useful to look at the relative change This is practical and necessary in order of each trait over this time frame. to have PTAs that have some relevance Of the traits represented in the table, To determine relative change, we to current genetic levels those most highly correlated with standardize the traits by dividing the of the breed. We recently sum of change by the standard deviation PL in order of importance would be: received updated genetic female fertility (DPR), udder health (S.D.), or variance, of the trait. data for Jersey (SCS) and udder females born traits (Udder Genetic Change In the U.S. Jersey between 1995 and 2010 in 2010, known Composite). It’s Milk Fat Pro PL SCS* DPR Udder as Genetic interesting to note (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) (mos.) (log) (mos.) (AIPL) Base 2010. The that the breed has Changes announced for base 2000 442 16 16 .40 .01 -.10 .28 changes between Changes announced for base 2005 made no genetic 323 17 12 .40 .00 -.10 .44 Genetic Base gain in DPR (-.45) Changes announced for base 2010 327 19 12 .80 .04 .00 .37 2005 and 2010 or SCS (-.38) Standard Deviation of the Trait 700 21 16 1.45 .11 .73 .90 are the changes during this time Cumulative change 1995-2010 1092 52 40 1.60 .05 -.20 1.09 that have been period. +1.21 implemented for Genetic progress change in s.d. units +1.56 +2.48 +2.50 +1.10 -.45 * -.38 our evaluations that will be One might used for the next five years. (See table: conclude that improved udder What Changes Have Occurred?

327 pounds milk, 19 pounds fat, etc.) conformation has been the primary The Jersey breed has seen slight source of our genetic progress in increases in Fat and Protein test.

Reflecting on 15 Years Productive Life.

Therefore we can see genetic progress At this juncture in time, we are able to for Fat pounds (+2.48) and Protein reflect on 15 years of genetic change in Not All Gain is Good pounds (+2.50) has been greater than the the Jersey breed by simply summing AIPL uses the log score of somatic cell genetic change for Milk volume (+1.56). the genetic base adjustments for the count to calculate *Somatic Cell Score three most recent base changes. The (SCS) PTAs. This can be a problematic Udders Improve Productive Life cumulative genetic change for this 15trait to summarize with others. While The data shown here is based on the year period is shown in the fifth line of genetic progress in traits such as Protein Udder Composite as calculated by data in the table. pounds is expected to increase, it is not AIPL and used for all breeds, NOT the a good idea to increase SCS values over Jersey JUI. However, time. Higher SCS scores are associated both AIPL Udder Composite and AJCA with increased incidence of clinical mastitis and shorter herd life. Therefore, JUI are based on the the small cumulative increase in SCS same linear PTAs, over this time period is presented as but they use different negative genetic progress. weightings. We can

At this juncture in time, we are able to reflect on 15 years of genetic change in the Jersey breed.

Here you can see the standardized progress by trait over past 15 Years— improvements in production and udders, but health traits are declining.

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Winter Winter 2015 2015 Jersey Jersey Brown Brown Book Book

see a positive gain in udder conformation at +1.21 over time.

It would seem reasonable to expect that relative progress of both evaluations would be similar.

Selection Opportunities By evaluating the genetic progress made over the past 15 years, we can use a long-term perspective to help guide our selection priorities for the next 15 years.

Calf Raising - to 3 months of age

JERSEY DMI AS % OF HOLSTEIN=64%

Days

DMI (lbs./day)

End Weight (lbs.)

Total lbs. Consumed

Holstein

90

5.5

220

495

Jersey

90

3.5

150

315

Open Heifers

JERSEY DMI AS % OF HOLSTEIN=49%

The Window for feed efficiency gain

By Dick Smith

Days

DMI (lbs./day)

End Weight (lbs.)

Total lbs. Consumed

Holstein

305

20

850

6100

Jersey

215

14

500

3010

A

Bred Heifers

significant portion of Jersey feed efficiency advantage over Holsteins is a one-time opportunity. Miss that opportunity…and it’s gone. There have been several articles in publications recently suggesting that a desirable breeding weight for dairy heifers might be about 900 pounds. Having spent so much time admiring the successful heifer reproduction programs of your Jersey herds, those suggested breeding weights really got my attention. Our Jersey breed has several obvious differences from Holsteins such as: n Earlier onset of puberty (based on age at first heat) n Significantly smaller body weight at onset of puberty (weight at first heat) n Calving ability at less than 20 months of age (ability to deliver a live calf

JERSEY DMI AS % OF HOLSTEIN=80%

Days

DMI (lbs./day)

Post Calving wt. (lbs.)

Total lbs. Consumed

Holstein

280

25

1120

7000

Jersey

280

20

800

5600

without assistance)

Dry Matter Intake to Calving

JERSEY DMI AS % OF HOLSTEIN=66%

Using NRC guidelines for Dry Matter Intake (DMI), I have attempted to calculate total DMI for the three periods of rearing heifers up to calving age.

In short, estimating pre-calving DMI is no more complex than multiplying days on feed times body weight. When you seize the opportunity to significantly reduce either one of those variables, you can reduce total feed consumption required to put a heifer in the milking string. From these calculations we can conclude a few interesting points: n Feed cost necessary to put a Jersey heifer into the milking string may only

be 2/3 that required for a Holstein. 8,925 lbs versus 13,595 lbs of dry matter shows how much more efficiently you can put a Jersey into the milk string. n The greatest difference is in “Open Heifers” or the cost to breeding age with 3,010 lbs consumed versus 6,100 lbs of dry matter or 49% less required DMI for Jereys. n Feed efficiency to first calving is largely determined by age at first calving. Jersey heifers need to be calving significantly younger than Holsteins to achieve this efficiency. Calving at 18-19 months of age can assure this advantage.

8925 13595

Total lbs. Consumed 8925

Jersey Holstein

13595

Assumptions Used For These Comparisons Jersey

Holstein 800

Post-Calving Lbs Calving Age in Mos

19 22

Breeding Age in Mos

10 13 500

Breeding Lbs Birth Lbs

1120

850

45 80

Cost of one lb. dry matter is the same for a Holstein or Jersey.

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Building the Cow of the Future

O

ver the last 15 years, production and productive life have made positive gains. Where do we go from here? Jerseys continue to become taller and sharper with better udders.

However, daughter fertility and somatic cell count need improvement.

Genetic Climate We see the cow The We look to the newly of the future modified industry indexes for our road as one who map for the next five As a whole, produces more years. they correlate higher Fat and Protein with production traits and lower for while using less health traits. Current sires inputs than those high-ranking tell us largely what ingredients we have currently. to work with. Proven sires above +120 JPI average -0.1 for DPR and genomic sires above +180 JPI average -0.1 for DPR. Low reliabilities and experience make us think these estimates are optimistic, particularly for young sires.

What result do we expect from this scenario? Most likely, cows that are more productive and less fertile. Yes, sexed semen has altered economic pay backs somewhat and management can overcome challenges, but Jersey converts made the switch in pursuit of the breed’s efficiency and fertility.

December data from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding tells us Jerseys have a 3.3 point DPR advantage over Holsteins. It seems prudent to maintain and grow those advantages. Our goal at ABS is to improve all aspects of the cow, and fertility seems like a specific opportunity.

By Aaron Horst

bulls if they are too extreme or out-ofbalance on these traits.

After this update, we saw positive gains in trait correlations for health traits while

ABS uses its proprietary “ABS$” formula for selecting mating sires Winter 2015 Jersey Brown Book

Trait Relationships

When building a selection index, it’s important to remember that one trait is influenced by other traits. This means and females to contract. We see the cow weights cannot be placed on individual of the future as one who produces more traits in a vacuum without protecting Fat and Protein on less feed, with less against the influence of other traits. mastitis and better fertility. This cow Let’s look at two traits, Stature and will also have a balanced frame that fits Dairy Form, and how they influence modern facilities. ABS$ continues to DPR and PL. The reference be the primary index Correlations Among population for this we consult throughout High Reliability Bulls illustration is 215 bulls our procurement process. This ensures STATURE DAIRY FORM with over 90% reliability for PL. maximum balanced DPR 0.07 -0.44 genetic progress, which PL 0.00 -0.17 This data at left helps us will help us build the answer whether Jerseys cow that best increases are becoming too tall or too dairy. The revenue and margins in results show, Stature has a negligible the future. effect on DPR and no effect on PL. Dairy Form shows a significant negative This year we added a significant level impact on DPR and a lesser negative of detail to more appropriately handle effect on PL. Correlations can drift traits with intermediate optimums over time, so we continue to monitor like Stature, Strength and Dairy Form. these trends. By keeping our eye on Teat Length and Placement are other genetic trends and how they impact examples. We view these combinations profitability, we’re building the future of traits as more than just linear—they generation. are “3-D”. Our model also penalizes

3-D Selection Tools

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maintaining our long-standing relationships with Fat and Protein production. ABS$ manages to do all this while having a higher correlation with JUI than any other industry index.

VERNON dtr: Rocky Ridge Vernon 314-Grade (photo Kathy DeBruin)

Sampling Decisions standing test of time

O

ur ABS Cornerstone® progeny test herds helped us sample 36 bulls in 2014, and we value their partnership.

It is our routine practice to assess the quality of bulls as they enter and exit our sampling pipeline. This assures the best use of sampling opportunities for our Cornerstone herds. We have already noted with VOLCANO that daughter data continues to be important in assessing the true merit of sires.

SAMPLING PIPELINE

By Aaron Horst

at how we stand among this elite tier, we can evaluate the success of our sampling program.

Into the Pipeline Are we finding and sampling enough high-ranking bulls to provide good opportunities for high daughter-proven

is also collected. All of this is factored into his evaluation, and a lot happens over four years while a bulls awaits his own daughter proof. So how have ABS progeny-test sires fared over that span?

Fortunately, we have a variety of bulls in the top 30 JPI, which shows sampling these bulls was a sound decision.

Are we finding and sampling enough high-ranking bulls to The Results Show comparison provide good opportunities for high daughter-proven bulls? This shows strong

Reading the Report Card There are two lists from the AJCA that can serve as our report card. First, the Top 100 JPI Bulls Historical List summarizes all sires with a daughter proof, regardless of their semen status.

The second list, GPTA Summaries for Code G Bulls, compares bulls based on their genomic information. The bulk of semen usage in the industry comes from the top 30 bulls on these lists. By looking

bulls? Our goal is to source from a variety of sire stacks and breeders to sample high-ranking bulls in a timely fashion. The graph below shows we are continuing to accomplish this.

Out of the Pipeline After bulls are genomic tested, we learn even more about their pedigrees as their families gain information. As a bull’s sire records daughter data, the herd performance of his dam and siblings

results on both ends of the sampling pipeline. Our goal is to optimize the opportunities for the bulls we sample. We’re hoping to make short- and long-term contributions to genetic improvement for not only our Cornerstone herds, but the entire industry. These two graphs encompass the results of over five years of sampling decisions. The balanced results they show should encourage those sampling our young sires.

When comparing ABS bulls over a five-year span, you’ll note the consistent high rankings as bulls enter the sampling pipeline (on the left), and as they come out of the pipleine with daughter data (on the right). With sound sampling decisions, we’re providing balanced genetic advancement opportunities for our progeny test herds.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI PERMIT NO. 1949

ABS Genetics Headline All American

ABS selects its bulls to maximize your profit through efficient milk production. Elite genetics are in high demand, and our top bulls provide breeders with extra merchandising opportunities. The 2014 All American Sale saw quite a feat for ABS-sired progeny. The top three selling females and top selling male were all sired by 29JE bulls!

The All American Show and Sale also saw strong representation from bulls like PREMIER, HIRED GUN and VERBATIM RESPONSE. Throughout All American weekend, the quality and diversity of ABS genetics showed its prominence.

2014 All American High Sellers TOP SELLING FEMALES

SIRE

PRICE

Faria Brothers Harris Wallace-ET

HARRIS

$34,500

Ahlem Volcano Buttons 42731

VOLCANO

$30,000

Choice from Hillview Headline Keylime-P

NIKON-P

$20,500

HARRIS

$100,000

TOP SELLING MALE Faria Brothers Eusebio-ET

IATOLA dtr: Cascadia Iatola Puzzle E-93% 2nd Place Premier Performance Class 2014 All American Premier Performance Champion 2013 All American National Grand Champion 2012 All American

IATOLA Makes Jersey History Last year, we featured the continued success IATOLA has had at the All American Show in Louisville, having won more consecutive Premier Performance Sire awards than any bull in Jersey history. The 2014 show continued the streak, making IATOLA the first bull ever to win five Premier Performance Sire banners. For historical context, the following chart shows bulls that have won three or more Premier Performance Sire awards. Only time will tell if IATOLA can add to his lead.

Premier Performance Wins

The Jersey

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Brown Book AB S G l o bal, In c .

1 5 2 5 R iv er Road , De F ore st, WI 5 3 5 3 2 1 . 8 0 0 . AB S.S TU D • w w w. a b s g l o b a l . c o m

3

SC Gold Dust Paramount Iatola-ET

Golden Faithful W.F. Generator Justin

3

Milestones Generator

3

3

Lester Sambo Highland Magic Duncan

IATOLA has won more consecutive Premier Performance Sire awards than any bull in Jersey history.